Exhibiting or display device



C. R. FINCH.

EXHIBITING 0R DlSPLAY DEVICE.

APPLICATlON FlLED JULY 29| l9l6- Patented Nov. 9, 1920.

C. R. HNCH.

EXHIBITING OR'DISPLAY DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 29. I916.

' 1 58,534, Patented Nov. 9, 1920.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2- 31 1 1 tJ GU01 we 1 CLIFTON R. FINCH, 0F NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

EXHIBITING OR DISPLAY DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented N 0v. 9, 1920.

Application filed July 29, 1916. Serial No. 112,120.

Display Devices, of which the following is a specification.

i have invented an improvement in devices for exhibiting advertisements, merchandise, and the like; and particularly a structural. unit to be mounted in and conscitute part of a publicity machine, and be operated thereby to carry an advertisement or an article of commerce into and out of position to be viewed.

The primary aim of my invention is to provide an exhibiting device shaped to sup port therein an object to be put upon display; and having means by which said de vice can be disposed in the machine above mentioned in such wise as to permit it to be actuated in the required manner; and a further advantage which I seek to secure is to design my improvement so that the object it bears can be removed and replaced at will, without the device requiring to be dismounted, or the operative relations it sustains to the-remainder of the machine being in anyway disturbed.

These and other aims and advantages of my invention will appear from the following description, taken in connection with the. accompanying drawings; and the characteristic features of my invention will be precisely defined in the appended claims. I wish to have it understood, however,,that the disclosure herein is explanatory only; and that embodiments of my invention, other than those. actually shown, maybe resorted to; provided, ofcourse. that such other embodiments. falLwith in the general meanings of theterms in which. the: claims are expressed.

On the drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of one form of my improved exhibiting device;

Fig. 2 is a similar view of. the same, seen from the opposite or reverse side;

. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of amodified form of my exhibiting device;

Fig. l is a sectional detail view, taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1; V

Fig. 5 is a similar detail view, taken: on the line 5.--5 of. Fig. 11;;

Fig. 6 is. a sectional detail of another modification;

F ig 7 is a section taken on the line 7-7 of Fig. 3; 7

Figs. 8, 9- and- 10 show, inelevation, vari ous objects to be supported in. my exhibiting device;

Fig; 11 is a front elevation showing means for mounting my exhibiting device in a publicity machine;

Fig. 12 is atop plan of the construction illustrated in Fig. 11;.

Fig. 13 is a horizontal section taken on the line 1313 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 14 illustrates in perspective one of the elements for connecting the mounting means to the exhibiting device; and

Figs. 15 and 16 illustrate in section other modifications.

In the particular description following, the same characters of reference identify the same parts throughout;

My exhibiting device intended for the display of various objects comprises an open frame 1]; which, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2,;is made up of relatively movable sections 2 and 3, adapted to receive and secure between them an object 4, for example, a sheet of cardboard having advertising matter onits opposite faces 5 and 6. The frame 1 is also provided with opposite faces; as one face is intended to be presented at one time, and the other face at. a diiferent time; and the advertising matter can be exposed through both faces- The. two sections are shaped around their. inner edges solthatvthe object 4 can be supported to the: best ad'- vantage, and firmly held in the frame. 1-. Fig. 1 shows one face of. the frame and object therein; and. Fig- 2 the opposite. aswill be readily understood. While he frame/1; is illustrated asbeing rectangular. I may of course make i circular, or in fact give. it any configurationthat maybe selected.

' The sections 2 and 3 are: connected to-- gether by hinges 7, located on one edge, which will preferably. be the upper edge whenv the device is 5% up in working position.. At the opposite or lower edge, one section will be provided with. one or. more catches in the: form ofspring clips 8, which are adapted to grip the adjacent. edge of the other section when the two sec ionsare moved together; and each of these clips will carry a cushion or buffer 9, illustrated. in

against the frictional force exerted by the catches 8, and the object f can then be inserted between them. When the frame is closed by folding the sections, the clips 8 yield and allow the edges of the sections to approach as far as the cushions 9 will permit. The clips then act with sufficient firmness to prevent the separation of the sections, except when they are positively manipulated for that very purpose.

I prefer to make the sections 2 and 3 by stamping them out of sheet metal strips 10, which are joined together at their ends in any suitable way. Each strip 10 has its outer edge bent over substantially at right angles, and the opposite or inner edge is doubled over toward the edge 11. When the sections are completed and assembled by the hinges 7,the edges 11 will be in line or flush with each other on all sides of the frame, when the frame is closed; and the edges 12 will afford an inturned effect which enables them; to engage or grip the object a entirely around its periphery. Hence the object 4 will be engaged and be in contactwith only rounded smooth surfaces, and scoring or marring will be avoided.

Each strip 10 will have a longitudinal portion13 adjacent the outer edge 11 which is slightly convex; and a portion 1% extending side by side with the portion 18, and near the edge 12, which is slightly concave. These portions constitute a double or reversely curved surface, making the face 15 of the strip, and these faces collectively make up the faces of the sections 2 and 3, and therefore the opposite faces of the frame 1. if desired, is may make the sections 2 and 3 otherwisethan by stamping from metal; as byusing wood crthe like, indicated in Fig 6 at 16; and rabbeting the sections around their inner edges, as indicated at 17. Such sections hinged together, the same as the sections ccmprising the strips 10;"and the strips 16 will likewise have convex portions 13 and concave portions 1 making faces 15. I

T of coursedo not wish to be limited to a frame comprising sections which are hinged to each other; but desire my invention to be construed as comprehending relatively movable sections adapted to be separated and assembled and secured together in any manner thatwill afford the required service.

. Fig. 7 shows another modification wherein the exhibiting device includes a frame not made in relatively movable sections; but comprising sides 1.8, and having continuing recesses 19 around its inside edges. The

plate or board l is inserted through an open ing or slot 20, in one side, communicating with the recesses 19. This frame has oppcsite faces 15 of the nature as the faces of he frames already described; but it of course dispenses with hinges '7 and spring clips 8.- In all these forms, the faces 15 are symmetrical with respect to a plane passing centrally between them; and the object 4: will be located between the faces.

The object a may, as above stated, be simply an advertisement; but if desired I may also utilize a wire netting 21; inclosed in a border or frame 22, as in 8, to be mounted in the frame 1. This netting may carry merchandise; such as neckties, ribbons, etc 1' cards, labels and the like; or a combination of merchandise and advertising matter. I may al o employ a sheet of card board or other material, as in Fig. 9, having part of its surface suitable for advertising matter and having an enlarged opening 24:, to receive netting 21 for the same purpose; or I may employ a frame 22 like that shown in Fig. 8, adapted to bear number of rods 25 to support objects tobe exhibited thereon. See Fig. 10. These rods will of course be retained by having their ends engage suitable recesses or notches in the frame 22. Any of the constructions illus trated in Figs. 8, 9 and 10 may be mounted in any of my exhibiting devices, well as the object having a ccntinous. uninterrupted expanse of surface, like that shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. r

in order tomount the exhibiting device in publicity machine, I provide suitable means in the form of bars 26, which extend along the sides of the frame 1, and are resiliently connected thereto. These bars are shown inFigs. 11,- '12 and 13. They will each have one end bent over away from the frame, to afford a journal 27 adapted to receive a roller; 28, engaged by a channelshaped track 29. These journals will of course located adjacent the side of the frame 1,, which is uppermost in practice; and the bars will be secured to the opposite sides the frame byineans of resilient elements 30. These elements are of steel; and are adapted to bend er buckle; and their fnnctionis notonly to connect the bars 26 to the frame, but also to enable the bars 26 the rollers 28 to yield sufficiently and adjust themselves to prevent binding as the frame'moves along the track 29.

in practice, a number of frames 1 are mounted one behind another, and the rollers are arranged in staggered or zigzag fashion, as indicated in Figs. 11and12 by broken lines; so that the frames and the rollers are in the closest possible proximity, and space economised. Obviously, so long as the frame 1 is in position to extend squarely across from one track 29 to the other, the

rollers will work smoothly; but if the frame should ever be turned obliquely to a slight extent, binding might take place. lVhen the frame lies straight acrossythe tracks, the elements may bend or how slightly, as the rollers and bars may then have to be a little closer to the frame; but whenever the frame is turned to a slight extent so as to lie slantwise, the elements 30 straighten out, and push the bars and rollers away from the frame to the required degree. lence the elements keep binding from occurring, by distending enough to keep the rollers in their respective positions in the tracks in case the frame ever gets out of true transverse relation. With such. an arrangement, the elements 30 will very effectually obviate all likelihood of binding and all other effects of crowding that might otherwise occur.

The form of the elements 30 is shown in Fig. 14:, which illustrates the same on an enlarged scale. fine end of each of the elements will be fitted into a recess or slot in a bar 26, and fastened therein; and the other end. will be split longitudinally. as at 31, and'the split portions 32 on each side of the split will be bent away from each other. These split portions will be fastened by riveting or otherwise to the sides of the frame 1. then the frame comprises sections 2 and 3, the elements 30 may be secured to the edge of one section only; preferably the section carrying the clips 8. It will be apparent that when the frames are so mounted, they can be opened and closed to mount or dismount an object to be ex-- hibited therein, without taking the frame down from the machine or in any way disturbing it.

I may also, when a frame comprising relatively movable sections is used, secure the split portions 32 of the elements 30 to both sections 2 and 3; thus locking the frame shut. In such a case the split per tions 32 will be removably fastened to the sections by screws or bolts, or in any other suitable manner. When the frame of Fig.

3 is to be hung up in the machine, the elements 30 may be secured to it so as to be nearer one face 15 than the other, so as to give access to the slot 20; or the elements may be fastened to the sides so as to be in central position; whereby the portions 32 will engage the frame on both sides of the slot 20, on the edge where the slot is located.

In operation, a given number of frames will be hung in the machine, by causing their rollers to engage the tracks 29; and engaged by automatic members to be moved where the objects carried thereby can be viewed to advantage. As the machine by which this is effected is not a part of the invention herein set forth, further description of the machine herein is not necessary.

A reinforcing wire 33 joins the journal 27 with the other end of each bar; and a similar wire 34 may unite the upper ends of two bars on each frame. If desired, each journal may be threaded to a slight extent adjacent the bar carrying it, to receive a nut or washer 35, for the purpose of limiting the inward movement of the roller toward the frame 1.

Fig. 15 shows a frame consisting of strips 10 having concave faces and well-defined corners. Fig. 16 shows a section made up of strips 10 ofmore angular form, with outer and inner corners. In all the strips 10 herein described, the inbent edges 12 may be omitted if desired; although their presence is preferred. The strips 10 are all resilient to some extent; and will yield outward if a card of reater thickness than usual is inserted. 0 that extent, they automatically adjust themselves to the dimensions of the objects borne by the frames 1.

The objects l will be of such a character, and the advertising matter or merchandise which they carry must be of such a natureas to be capable of showing clearly through plate glass; and the objects d, whether they ar. showcards, or frames with netting or rods, may be wired for electrical display. They may be made of sheet metal, cardboard, fiber in the form of sheets or veneers, metallic forms, glass, or fabric or cloth stiffened to the necessary degree. Both faces of the objects scan of course, be ornamented if desired.

The frames illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4,. 5, 6, 7, 15 and 16 may, of course, be employed either with or without the rollers 28 and the means for securing these rollers to the frames disclosed particularly in Figs. 11, 12 and 18. When these frames are used without the rollers and bars 26, they can be mounted on a suitable rest and supported in any convenient way; as by an arm pivoted to the edge, or some other convenient point. Further, when the above frames are provided with the bars 26, they may be used as stationary constructions, in which case the lower ends of the barswill rest upon the floor or other supporting surface; and the frames will be held up so as to display the cards, etc. through their faces in any manner desired. Of course, when any one of the frames disclosed herein is utilized with the bars as a stationary construction, the rollers 28 will be omitted, and journals 27 may be employed as handles whenthe same is to be movcd about, or as means of suspension when. the frame is hung up in position to be viewedi It will be obvious that when the frame shown in Fig. 11, for example, is deprived of the rollers 28, it may he stood on the counter of a store or in a show window. with. the lower ends of the bars 26 resting upon the top of the counter, or the floor of the window; and if the same is to be hung up, the journals 27 may be engaged by 'a suitable rack or frame or any other supporting means to afford the desired result. The bars thus serve as means for enabling the frames to be maintained in display position, Whether or not the rollers 28 are present. 7

Having described my invention, What I believe to be new, and desire to secure and protect by Letters Patent of the United States is 1. An exhibiting device comprising a frame including a pair of snperposable sections providing opposite faces for said device, each section having its outer edges bent over substantially at right angles, and its inner edges doubled'over toward the bent outer edges. 7

2. An exhibiting device comprising a frame including a pair of snperposable sections providing opposite faces for said device, said sections being hinged together, and each section having its outer edges bent over substantially at right angles and its inner edges doubled over toward the bent outer edges.

3. An exhibiting device comprising a frame, bars extending along opposite sides of said frame, resilient elements secured to each bar at one end and having their other ends divided and bent in opposite directions, said divided ends being secured to the said sides, one end of each bar being bent away from said device, a reinforcing element connecting each ofsaid bent ends to the other end of said bar, and a reinforcing element connecting the bent ends of said bars.

4;. An exhibiting device comprising a pair of superposable sections providing opposite element connecting the bent ends of said bars.

'6. An exhibiting device comprising a frame, bars extending along opposite sides of the frame, one end of each bar being bent away from said device, and resilient elements secured to each bar at one end and having their other ends divided and bent in opposite directions and secured to said sides.

7. An exhibiting device comprising a frame including a pair of superposable sections hinged together along one side and providing opposite faces, means carried by one section to engage the other section to hold said sections together, and a cushion to be located between said. sections.

8. An exhibiting device comprising a frame including a pair of superposable sections hinged together along one side and providing opposite faces, means carried by one section at the side opposite to the side where said sections are hinged together, to engage the adjacent edges of the other section and hold said sections together, and a cushion located upon said means to extend between said sections.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification this 28th day of July, 1916. j

CLIFTON R. FINCH. 

